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Chile, Rio Futaleufu

Looking for some of the best whitewater in the Western Hemisphere? Join us for a week of rafting or kayaking on the world famous Futaleufu and nearby rivers. The clear, azure waters flow through deep, granite canyons in an incredibly beautiful valley. Make no mistake, these are BIG rapids – some say among the best in the world.
By participating on this trip of a lifetime, you will be helping to preserve this river from being dammed. You will also get to know the friendly locals (several staff members are Chilean) and take home something more than photographs. Our eco-camp is located on the Rio Azul near the confluence with the Futaleufu, and is complete with kitchen house, bath house with hot shower, cabins, and flush toilet.
Trip participants must be 18 or older, in good physical condition and should have at least class IV paddling experience. Spaces are limited to 6 people. Our preference is that everyone is from the same group, so call your friends.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

This is a sample itinerary for the trip. One thing that sets us apart is that your group has a major say in what we do. Thats why we keep it small and intimate.
Day 1 Pickup in Esquel, Argentina.
Day 2 Rio Azul: paddling, hiking or fishing (class III to IV).
Day 3 Futaleufu: Bridge to Bridge (class IV).
Day 4 Futaleufu: Bridge thru Casa (class V).
Day 5 Futaleufu: Azul to Bridge, Terminator Section (class V).
Day 6 Rio Espolon or Azul: kayak or ducky (class II thru IV).
Day 7 More Futa, hiking or rest day.
Day 8 Esquel/Departure.

INCLUDES

Meals, accommodations, transportation, equipment from Esquel, Argentina. Accommodations are double occupancy platform cabins with queen mattress. The camp has a hot shower and flush toilet. Food is exceptional and prepared by our staff at the kitchen house.

EXCLUDES

Airfare. Personal expenses (internet, souvenirs, etc). Medical and/or travel insurance including trip cancellation insurance. Gratuity.

WHAT TO BRING

If you can carry everything you will be bringing, you are doing good. Laundry service is available. Here is the minimum you should take:
  1. 4 Sets of clothing (shirt, pants, socks, underwear).
  2. Rain Jacket and pants.
  3. Synthetic/fleece layers.
  4. Warm hat.
  5. Sleeping bag.
  6. Personal medications.
  7. Swimsuit.
  8. Light hiking boots.
  9. Sandals or shoes.
  10. Sun Glasses.
  11. Nalgene Water Bottle.
  12. Cap/hat with brim
  13. Small Daypack for side hikes.
  14. Digital Camera.
  15. Passport, spending money
  16. Spanish phrase book.

TRAVEL TIPS

Give yourself plenty of time to get to Esquel. A great option is to fly to Buenos Aires and spend the night, since you have to switch airports to get to Bariloche or Esquel. You can take a nice bus from Bariloche to Esquel or you can fly directly to Esquel. Definitely plan to spend some time in the Bariloche area since there is fantastic hiking, climbing and shopping to do.
Make sure your passport will not be expiring within 6 months of your journey. Keep it with you at all times and make a copy of it an email it to yourself. Credit cards are accepted in many places but some hotels and many shops and restaurants do not accept them. You can get cash from ATMs or convert US currency at local banks. Both Aregentina and most of Chile are extremely safe for travelers, but take the usual precautions. Some knowledge of Spanish can be very helpful, but you will find some English speakers at airports and hotels.